At the beginning of the twenty-first century, Lance Armstrong started something that no one knew would become an overnight sensation. The former cyclist, started the Lance Armstrong Foundation for cancer survivors and with it, he began selling, at a very low rate bright yellow silicone wristbands with the word Live strong on it. Almost overnight, the foundation became a huge success because thousands of Americans seemed to want one of these bracelets and they quickly sold out across the nation. This is how the silicone bracelet take over started. People who wanted the same kind of support for other causes realized selling these items with their slogans written on them were a quick and easy way to make a lot of money for their foundation and raise awareness for the cause at the same time. Currently, there are numerous organizations who sell items just like the ones Lance Armstrong had.
Wearing a pink band around your wrist in October most likely means you have given money towards breast cancer research or you just want to help raise awareness of the situation. These came out not much longer after Lance Armstrong came out with the Live strong bands. They are now being marketed in department stores and boutiques all over the country and they are also extremely popular. Donations for breast cancer research grown rapidly since the bands were introduced to the market and now there is more support than ever before to help find a cure.
A few years ago, European soccer clubs and players chose to begin an end racism cause and they came up with a band that says “Stand Up Speak Up.” The campaign helped raise awareness of the issue, which otherwise may have gone unnoticed, as studies illustrated before the rubber wristbands, people had no idea about the extent of the racism problem in European soccer. The campaign partnered with a major sportswear manufacturer and famous European soccer stars to promote the black and white band, which symbolizes friendship between Whites and Blacks.
The “One” campaign founders also commenced marketing of their own rubber wristlets with the word “One” written on it with a simple white color. This cause is supposed to help raise awareness and get people to join the fight against AIDS and global poverty. By paying for the rubber bands individuals know they have donated to the cause and by wearing the item, they are raising awareness of the issue. These, which are a lot like the Live strong bands, are sold for one dollar a piece. The founders of this campaign also partnered with famous music bands and actors to help support and encourage the cause and encourage others to join the battle.
Since the Live strong bands in the early 2000s, just about every major campaign has sold bands to go with the campaign. This cheap, easy to make product can really help increase donations and it helps increase awareness of the campaign. It is interesting to think that when Lance Armstrong first thought about selling rubber bracelets, he probably had no idea that he would change the way global causes get donations and how they raise awareness around the world.